Theaterhaus Vaihingen e.V.: "Der Besuch der alten Dame" - by Friedrich Dürrenmatt

The small town of Güllen is broke. Once celebrated as one of Europe's cultural cities, its residents now survive on soup kitchens while all their possessions have been seized. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Claire Zachanassian - certain she will come to the town's rescue.

Alfred Ill, an old acquaintance of Claire Zachanassian, is tasked with personally asking his former sweetheart for the millions the impoverished town so desperately needs. In his welcoming speech, the mayor praises Claire Zachanassian - once known as Kläri Wäscher - as merciful, charitable and devoted to justice. She promises to give the town and its citizens one billion, on a single condition: Ill must be delivered to her dead.

The mayor indignantly rejects the offer on behalf of the town. But the citizens of Güllen already feel the money is as good as theirs and start buying on credit - things are finally looking up! Ill slowly comes to the grim realisation that his neighbours' greed will seal his fate. He had once wronged Claire by denying paternity of their illegitimate child and bribing witnesses in court. Now he must face the town assembly. Will it choose the money - or Ill's life?

Kindly supported by Ensinger Mineral-Heilquellen GmbH.